Just Like Your Mother…

Jun 13, 2023

Have you ever had someone tell you that you look like one of your parents?

There’s a family resemblance – the sound of your voice, or the way you smile. I remember when people used to tell my mom and I that it was evident we were mother and daughter. Our facial features gave it away!

Since I’ve moved across the country from my mom, I don’t hear that as often. Honestly, I don’t like what I hear now. It’s usually Ken saying, “You’re acting like your mother.” Now, to be fair, I do the same thing – Ken acts like his dad. We generally say this when one of us is being stubborn or opinionated.

While we laugh about it, at least most of the time, there is also some truth to repeating actions or negative patterns, including sin, of past generations.

You may have experienced in your own family the pain of generational sin. It could be a type of substance abuse, harmful behaviors, or dishonest business practices, just to name a few.

In Psalm 79, Asaph pleads on behalf of the Israelites for forgiveness of their generational sin and judgment on the nations that have held them captive and destroyed Jerusalem. Verses 6-9 say this:

Pour out your wrath on the nations that do not acknowledge you, on the kingdoms that do not call on your name; for they have devoured Jacob and devastated his homeland. Do not hold against us the sins of past generations; may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name, deliver us and forgive our sins for your name’s sake.

- Psalm 79:6-9

When I read this Psalm of Lament, I observe that Israel is truly repentant of their sin and are asking God to no longer punish them for sins of past generations.

Friends, we do NOT have to stay stuck because of the sins of past generations. When we accept Jesus as our Savior and choose to follow Him, the Apostle Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

We have a choice! The sin of our parents and grandparents and generations before does not have to control us. We have transferred our citizenship to Jesus. We are His sons and daughters. I don’t know about you, but knowing that assures me that not on my own, but with the help of Jesus, I can overcome any patterns of the past and change my behavior.

How about you? A Go First Leader acts like Jesus! Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ!”